NEWS DESK
Vaccine and mask restrictions ease Brodie Cowburn brodie@baysidenews.com.au
AN interpretation of a revamped Nepean Highway precinct in Frankston. Picture: Supplied
Plan to transform Nepean Highway FRANKSTON Council is calling on the state and federal governments to fund major changes to the Nepean Highway. Council is advocating for a $37 million upgrade to the Nepean Highway thoroughfare. It hopes to see the construction of wider footpaths, the addition of more trees and street furniture, accommodations for outdoor dining, and the creation of better connections from the city centre across Nepean Boulevard to Frankston’s foreshore and Kananook Creek. The plan also includes lower speed limits and the addition of more cycling lanes. Frankston mayor Nathan Conroy says that making Nepean Highway a “pedestrian friendly beachside boulevard be-fitting of the lifestyle destination that is Frankston” is a key part of council’s vision for the area. “Frankston’s city centre is ripe for revitalisation and long-term strategic planning work is already underway to reimagine our city centre, making it more pedestrian friendly and encouraging people to linger in the city,” he said.
“The Nepean Boulevard is an important opportunity for Frankston. It’s our shopfront window with a coastline catchment of 800,000 people annually and we need to put our best foot forward. We’re appealing to candidates in the upcoming federal and state elections for their support for this important city shaping project. The iconic avenue of fig trees, the Clock Tower, the legendary intersection of Davey Street and Nepean Highway with its live music venues and eateries all deserve to be highlighted and celebrated. “Council has already begun work with the Victorian Government Department of Transport and the Frankston Revitalisation Board to deliver immediate revitalisation works along Nepean Highway including expanded outdoor dining, 19 new parklets and decorative median tree lighting. We’ve seen how successful these small-scale interventions can be. It’s now time to take it to the next level and make the highway a destination in itself to boost the local economy and support recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
MORE COVID-19 restrictions were lifted last weekend. Last week the state government moved to remove more restrictions in response to growing rates of vaccination. As of 11.59pm on 22 April people entering venues will no longer have to show their vaccination status or check in. The mask mandate in primary school, early childhood, hospitality, and retail sectors has been removed. Masks are still required on public transport, at airports, and in health and aged care settings. Close contacts of a positive COVID-19 case no longer have to quarantine, but must wear a mask indoors and record five negative rapid tests over a seven day period. Positive COVID-19 cases still have to quarantine for a week. Visitor restrictions in hospitals have also been removed. Symptom-free international travellers are not required to test for COVID-19, and people who have had COVID-19 are now exempt from testing or quarantine for 12 weeks. Existing vaccine mandates at workplaces remain. Victorian health minister Martin Foley said that the changes were “sensible” because nearly 70 per cent of adults in the state have received a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. “The vaccinated economy kept Victorians safe and businesses open during an unpredictable time when we saw our highest case numbers ever – but now is the right time to set it aside and focus on the highest risk settings,” he said. “Many things that are very effective in driving down transmission will remain strongly recommended. That will keep us protected during winter and help us respond to emerging risks.”
KYLIE Miller with her greyhound, Teddy, and her new children’s book. Picture: Supplied
Book encourages greyhound adoption THE true story of an adopted greyhound called Albert who overcame a tough start to life to find his forever home served as the inspiration for a new children’s book launching this week. A launch event for Albert, The Greyhound Who Loves to Run will be held in Heatherton this week. The book, by author Kylie Miller, is illustrated by Mt Eliza resident Karen Erasmus. Albert is a two-year-old greyhound who jumped the fence and escaped his home after one day of adoption. Miller says that the book is a fictionalised story of his adventures and return home. “Albert is a beautiful, sensitive boy who deserves a loving home, and he found his happy ending with Rhonda,” Miller said. “However, Albert’s story is universal. It equally applies to the thousands of dogs seeking happy, forever homes each year. I hope Albert’s story will encourage people to adopt rather than shop for their pets.” The book also stars Miller’s own greyhound, Teddy. Albert, The Greyhound Who Loved to Run is available at bookshops or online.
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Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News
27 April 2022
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